Chaeyoung (TWICE)

TWICE Chaeyoung (Son Chaeyoung): From Rap Verses to 'LIL FANTASY'

Starting out as a rapper in TWICE’s "maknae line" (the group's youngest members), Chaeyoung is now more widely recognized as the creative force who writes lyrics and draws. Since earning her first songwriting credit in 2016, she has consistently contributed lyrics to the group's albums, culminating in the release of her debut solo studio album in the fall of 2025. In August 2026, she concluded her exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment to pursue independent solo work, while confirming that her activities as a member of TWICE will continue uninterrupted.

At a Glance

From SIXTEEN to TWICE

Chaeyoung secured her place in TWICE through Mnet’s 2015 survival competition SIXTEEN. When the group debuted in October of that year with "Like OOH-AHH," she stood among the younger members, tasked with shifting the song's dynamic through punchy rap verses. In early mega-hits like "CHEER UP" and "TT," her rap sections remained relatively brief yet served as pivotal turning points in the flow of each track.

Her short hair and hip-hop-inspired styling in the early days set her apart from the prevailing girl group aesthetics of the time. This gave rise to her signature image: an intense, expressive performer on stage, yet reserved and thoughtful off it.

The Songwriter Behind the Lyrics

Chaeyoung earned her first songwriting credit in 2016 with "Precious Love" on TWICE’s 2nd Mini Album PAGE TWO. From that point on, her name regularly appeared in the credits of the group’s releases. In 2019, she expanded her repertoire to composition with "How u doin'" on the Japanese studio album &TWICE.

"TAKEDOWN" from 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters'

The first time Chaeyoung saw her name on the US Billboard Hot 100 came about three months before her solo album dropped. Released on June 20, 2025, alongside the soundtrack for the Netflix animated series K-Pop: Demon Hunters, the track "TAKEDOWN" featured two versions: one by the fictional in-universe group HUNTR/X, and a TWICE version performed by Chaeyoung, Jeongyeon, and Jihyo.

The trio debuted on the Hot 100 at No. 86 in July 2025 and climbed to No. 50 on the chart dated September 6. This marked the first Hot 100 entry under their individual names for all three members. The song also reached No. 24 on the UK Official Singles Chart.

Debut Solo Album: 'LIL FANTASY vol.1'

Marking her tenth year since debut, Chaeyoung dropped her first full-length solo album, LIL FANTASY vol.1, on September 12, 2025. Led by the title track "SHOOT (Firecracker)," the album debuted at No. 3 on South Korea's Circle Album Chart. Eleven days prior, on September 1, she pre-released a music video for the B-side "Avocado" featuring Gliiico.

The album features ten tracks in total, including the CD-only cut "Lonely doll waltz." Many song titles—such as "Band-Aid," "Shadow Puppet," and "My Guitar"—reflect intimate room settings and quiet moods. SUMIN and Jibin feature on "Ribbons," while Gliiico contributes to "Downpour." Chaeyoung holds creative credits on all ten tracks, contributing solely lyrics to "BF" and participating across lyrics, composition, and arrangement for the rest. A major highlight of the record is hearing a voice previously confined to brief group verses carry an entire album from front to back.

On November 20 of that year, she featured on rapper sokodomo's single "WAKE UP." A day later, JYP announced that Chaeyoung would take a health-related hiatus through the end of the year, sitting out TWICE’s world tour stops in Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, and Bangkok.

Critical Reception and Accolades

LIL FANTASY vol.1 entered the US Billboard 200 at No. 38 on the chart dated September 27. By year's end, it landed on best-of lists from both Rolling Stone and Billboard, and earned a nomination for Best K-pop Album at the 23rd Korean Music Awards the following February.

Parting Ways with JYP in August 2026

On August 13, 2026, Chaeyoung announced via social media that her exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment had reached its end. She stated that her solo pursuits would be managed directly under the banner of "LIL FANTASY"—echoing her album title—while emphasizing that nothing would change regarding her role in TWICE. Although it marked a departure from the agency that nurtured her since trainee days, the split was clear in delineating group activities from individual pursuits.

Independent Label LIL FANTASY and TWICE

In her August 13 letter, Chaeyoung did not initially specify whether "LIL FANTASY" was the official name of her company. The following day, reports confirmed that LIL FANTASY was indeed her self-founded independent label—a one-person agency. The "14 years" she referenced in her letter spanned back to 2012, when she first entered JYP as a trainee.

This move coincided with the group's renewal timeline. TWICE had renewed their contracts as a full ensemble with JYP in July 2022. By July 2026, JYP stated that the group was "in contract renewal discussions" and would share updates once finalized. Around that time, TWICE concluded their sixth world tour, THIS IS FOR, with a run at Seoul's KSPO Dome from July 10 to 12. Both Jeongyeon and Jihyo also shifted their individual representation away from JYP around the same period.

All three remain active members of TWICE. Chaeyoung traced the foundation of the love she receives back to her years with TWICE, while Jihyo clarified that "this decision does not mean parting ways with the team I've shared so much time with."

Art, Design, and Photography

Chaeyoung's creative output extends well beyond music. She has consistently drawn and painted, personally designing the limited-edition cover of PAGE TWO back in 2016. She has also collaborated with footwear brands to release self-designed sneakers, and in February 2023, she published her solo photobook, Yes, I am Chaeyoung.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chaeyoung's legal name? Her legal name is Son Chaeyoung.

Did she leave TWICE? No. Only her individual exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment concluded in August 2026. Chaeyoung confirmed that nothing has changed regarding her commitments as a TWICE member.

When was her solo album released? LIL FANTASY vol.1 was released on September 12, 2025, featuring the title track "SHOOT (Firecracker)."

Does she compose music? Yes. Her first songwriting credit that included composition was "How u doin'" from TWICE's 2019 Japanese studio album &TWICE.

Is she the same person as fromis_9's Chaeyoung? No, they are different artists. fromis_9's Chaeyoung is Lee Chaeyoung, whereas TWICE's Chaeyoung is Son Chaeyoung. You can read more about fromis_9's Chaeyoung on the fromis_9 Chaeyoung page.